Conservation Areas

Somewhere between 200 and 500 conservation areas were designated a year throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The main aim of a conservation area is to look after the setting of the most important buildings, because every building in a conservation area enjoys heightened protection and is subject to more stringent control as a result. English Heritage (2009) indicates that the designation of a conservation area is not an end in itself. The specific local authorities need to develop their own policies as to identifying what features of the area should be preserved or enhanced, and to set out how this can be done. Conservation areas are frequently under development pressure because of their attractiveness, because potential buyers of land or properties will always want to set up home in the nicest areas.

Many parts of city centres have conservation areas where numerous restrictions to development apply.

The below picture of what was a vacant building shows that its not only attractive buildings that form part of conservation areas but any building that is situated within that designated area. RJG was approached to gain planning permission to change the use of a vacant building and gain conservation area consent to open a bar in the heart of Liverpool Rope Walks conservation area. Although restrictions were in place regarding windows, advertisement and lighting, Santa Chupitos bar is now one of Liverpool's most popular drinking establishments.